Top 3 favourite places for breakfast in Chennai

Breakfast like a king, right.. But what about the times when you don't have anything exciting at home or even the boring cornflakes box stares at you with is stiff empty face. Best to head out and have a good breakfast. No better way to kick start the day than with a masala omelette or a good toast with jam and a cup of hot cappuccino. Or maybe your thing is a hot masala dosa and filter kaapi, well whatever be your thing, go for it~ 

On the other hand, there are a few places in the city that offer weekend brunches, which are good,but then those are ideally for a lazy weekend, when you are up late and you look forward to a relaxed day ahead with no agenda. You can then get dressed and head out to one of the five star hotels for a lazy lavish brunch around 11.30am/12pm, and wind up by 3 or so...  But that is not what this post is about. I shall share the top 3 places where I love to have breakfast in Chennai during weekdays... 

1. Anokhi - Chamiers cafe: 

The distinct black compound walls, the simple white structure is what you will see as you step into the space.  On the ground floor are two stores- Anokhi & Amethyst, where you will find a collection of clothes, jewellery and knick knacks. As you go up the flight of stairs, you will see the Chamiers store and the cafe adjoining it.  The cafe opens at 8am and is a small cozy one at that. 

I have been going here for years now and must say it is one place that I enjoy going back to. There have been days when I would have a few hours between work or meetings, and I end up working out of this cafe. They do offer Wifi as well, just need to ask for the password! [for a small charge]

Cheese and jalepeno waffle..

Sundried tomato sandwich..

Spanish breakfast...

The food- Their menu is quite elaborate and there is a wide range available for vegetarians.  

• Sandwiches- the sun dried tomato, mozzarella is their best

• Waffles- they have chocolate and savoury waffle with jalepenos and cheese, both of which are highly recommended.

• Potato wedges, hash browns are a few sides that have been tried and approved as well :D

• Cappuccino

• Hot chocolate

• Masala Chai

• Fresh fruit juices

• Healthy drinks- Green colada [spinach based] or Carrot orange juice are an option. 

For those who eat egg [like me], they can whip up Masala omelette with a side of toast or you could try the Spanish Breakfast- potato braves with color peppers and egg on top [ I had it during a recent visit and loved it] 

Beverages:

Take your pick from the range offered.  

Falooda- During a recent visit, friend ordered the falooda which came with mango ice cream.. It was sinful~

Portions-

The portions are huge, so you can be assured of a full happy tummy which will make sure you have a good day ahead~ 

Price:

Rs300-500 per person

Note:

Everyday they place a special menu on the table, make sure to give it a glance before switching over to the menu card!

Address: Old #79 New #106, Chamiers Road, Nandanam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028

Phone:044 2431 1496

2. Jonah's Meets Chef Willi

Tucked away inside Kasturi Rangan road, on the 1st floor, Jonah's is a new entry in this area but a good one at that. As you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted by plush interiors, lush blue coloured sofas and wooden panels. Not to forget the shelves between the rooms with a whole bunch of books and art pieces.. Some of the books are quite good, perfect reading while you wait for your dishes to arrive[ for someone who is a book worm like I am]..   

Onto the food, their breakfast menu is not extensive but it is impressive. There are enough options for both sides of the fence- Vegetarians and Non vegetarians. I am a veg, and i picked the mushroom on toast from the menu along with a cup of hot coffee.  The dish came with Italian Soda bread, the name had me curious. 

The portion sizes are fairly large, so if you are not ravenous or really hungry, make sure to just order one and share with your company. Mine came looking beautiful and generous. The bread was wow- it had a rugged look, and taste was quite unique, none like what I have had before. The coffee was piping hot, with just the right amount of froth! 

Recently we were here over a weekend and discovered they have launched a breakfast buffet, priced at Rs399/499.. It was quite good, not too many items and the ones that were there was good.. well worth the price.. The desserts are from their standard bar [from Bakers street, pondicherry], and are yummy as ever.. 

Portions-

The portions are very generous , so you can be assured of a full happy tummy which will make sure you have a good day ahead~ 

Price:

Rs 500- 600 per person

Address: No.29, 1st Floor, Kasturi Rangan Road, Poes Garden, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018

Phone:044 4305 3030

3. Sangeetha /O Kadey's, R A Puram

There are times when you crave for a good dosa or vada and those are times we head straight to one of the Sangeetha's.. Invariably it has been the one in R A Puram, which is convenient for most people. We have had breakfast at the adjoining O Kadey's as well and must say their food quality is phenomenal [across locations]. 

My favourite here are

1. Masala Dosa

2. Sambar Vadai [ i make it a point to tell them to hold off on the coriander.. i don't like it]

and what  visit is complete without the hot filter kaapi... 

Portions-

Total value for money, the portions are good and sides are yummy as well- chutneys and sambar .

Price:

Rs200-300 per person

Address: #10/2 4th Main road, 3rd Cross Junction,R.A Puram Chennai- 28 Ph- 044-24934403, 24956034

What else would you add to this or what has your experience at any of these places been like? Would love to know.. do share in the comments..